Colorado USA – East Texas Baptist University

The Need

This mission is exclusive to East Texas Baptist University students and faculty.

Over the past five years, Denver’s unhoused population has nearly doubled and grown 12 times faster than the city’s total population.  People experiencing homelessness continues to be an increasingly severe problem and government subsidies and charitable organizations simply cannot keep up with the demands to provide enough care and services.  The latest trajectories put Denver on a path of even greater limited resources.  There simply are not enough resources to care for the healthcare demands of this growing population.

Many patients in this community suffer from medical recidivism because they simply do not know how to manage preventative measures of health and nutrition, cannot properly maintain their chronic health conditions, or lack the ability to self-triage between basic or urgent health care needs.  Our goal is to help put them on a path for a healthier life, guide them through consultations and education toward better options or ultimately give them the care they need right then.  IMR began providing life-saving work in the Colorado shelter system during Covid.  For nearly two years, IMR provided 24/7 coverage to these vulnerable populations in a congregate resident setting and made a huge impact to those suffering from homelessness.  Today, we continue the care that our phenomenal caregivers gave by revisiting these neighbors and being a part of this continuing story.  Volunteers will advocate for these patients and provide them with life-saving knowledge and care. Join us to help save lives and make a difference.  For our patients, no matter their situation, IMR helps to ensure each and every one has access to quality care and are welcome.

IMR began providing life-saving work in the Colorado shelter system during Covid.  For nearly two years, IMR provided 24/7 coverage to these vulnerable populations in a congregate resident setting and made a huge impact to those suffering from homelessness.  Today, we continue the care that our phenomenal caregivers gave by revisiting these neighbors and being a part of this continuing story.  Volunteers will advocate for these patients and provide them with life-saving knowledge and care. Join us to help save lives and make a difference.  For our patients, no matter their situation, IMR helps to ensure each and every one has access to quality care and are welcome.

Our Work

International Medical Relief’s immersive, week-long global health experience in Colorado offers participants a transformative opportunity to deepen their understanding of international medical care. Through certified courses such as Basic Life Support, CPR, and Mental Health First Aid, participants gain valuable credentials and practical skills. The program includes direct engagement with IMR’s professional staff—seasoned experts in global health—who provide mentorship and real-world insight into the complexities of delivering care in underserved regions.

Attendees will take part in IMR’s signature lecture series and hands-on workshops covering critical global health issues including infectious diseases, pharmaceutical resistance, and prevention strategies. Participants will also curate medical supplies and equipment for an upcoming international deployment at our logistics center, learning firsthand how IMR prepares for fieldwork.

Throughout the week, meaningful dialogue with peers and global health leaders fosters critical thinking, cross-cultural competency, and a deeper commitment to humanitarian service. This immersive experience cultivates both professional readiness and a lasting passion for global medical missions and health equity.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

You don’t have to leave the U.S. to make a great impact. Participating in a Colorado experience allows you to be a part of the IMR family right in our U.S. headquarters.  IMR fosters a heart of service and the ability to bring hope and care to communities around the world.  Here, you can gain this same joy of giving back in our nation where people experience homelessness.

You will also have the opportunity to build a bridge for our teams deploying for international clinic locations and the communities they serve by packing with care the much needed medical supplies and equipment to be sent to doctors and nurses with the tools they need to provide sustainable education and training, treatment and diagnosis of patients with full laboratory, specialty equipment, pharmacy, triage and other diagnostic equipment.

Lodging/Transportation

You will be staying in the city of Denver for the week. IMR’s travel partner, Worldwide Navigators, can assist out-of-state volunteers with accommodations that match your price point, from hotels to homestays.

Extend Your Stay

Colorado is Your Ultimate December Getaway!

Embrace the magic of a Colorado December with festive city charm and thrilling winter adventures across the state:

• Downtown Denver Holiday Experiences
  Wander the twinkling Kris Kringle Market for festive crafts and seasonal treats. Capture the dazzling illuminations at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light and the Denver Zoo’s Zoo Lights, and admire the spectacular light display on the Denver City & County Building. As dusk falls nightly, catch the Mile High Drone Show — featuring 400-drone animations lighting up Denver’s skyline. Attend the ice sculpture show at the Gaylor Hotel near the Denver airport and IMR headquarters.

• Winter Adventures Beyond Ski Slopes
  Try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, or tubing in scenic spots like Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, or Winter Park. For something unique, consider dogsledding, ice skating on natural rinks, or even up-hilling to backcountry terrain with guides.

• Mountain Town Charm & Festive Festivals
  Explore picturesque alpine towns such as Vail and Beaver Creek, which host festive events like the Vail Snow Daze concert series and traditional markets in Georgetown with European flair. Stop in Crested Butte for winter activities like tobogganing hills, sleigh rides, and ice fishing, with local boutiques and cozy hot springs nearby.

• Day Trips from Denver
  Take short drives to Red Rocks Park for scenic hikes or sleigh rides. Wander Golden’s Victorian storefronts or get off-the-grid with a historic railroad journey or hot springs excursion

• Sports & Entertainment in Denver
  Catch some live action indoors at Ball Arena, home to the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and, occasionally, professional lacrosse or hockey games in December. While the Denver Broncos don’t play in December, the city still buzzes with sports-themed events and seasonal atmosphere in stadium areas and local fan venues.

From holiday lights and markets to snowy adventures and live sports, a Colorado trip in December delivers unforgettable charm and excitement for every type of traveler. Contact Worldwide Navigators.